The Sunshine Coast, just north of Vancouver, feels like an island getaway although it's actually a part of the mainland. Accessible only by ferry, this strip of quiet beaches, cedar forests, hiking trails, summer cottages, and artist colonies is just two hours from Vancouver by road and ferry.

Stop at Gibsons, once home to the classic Canadian TV show "The Beachcombers'" (you can still eat at Molly's Reach); the artists' and writers' community of Sechelt; or further up the coast at the isolated hamlets of Half Moon Bay, Earl's Cove, or Lund.

Enjoy fresh seafood, arts and crafts shows, beachcombing, hiking, camping, and some of the province's best water sports, including canoeing, kayaking, fishing and scuba-diving.

Getting There

Take Highway 99 to the Horseshoe Bay ferry terminal (45 minutes north of Vancouver). Take a 40-minute ferry ride to Langdale. From Langdale, take a 180 km (112 mile) scenic coastal drive through the towns of Gibsons and Sechelt to Earl's Cove, where another ferry makes the 50 minute crossing to Saltery Bay (the City of Powell River). From Powell River, at the northern end of the Sunshine Coast, retrace your steps to Vancouver, or take a ferry to Comox on Vancouver Island.

Transportation

• See our BC Ferries section for details on sailing or call 250.386.3431 or 1.888.223.3779 within BC or for Reservations call 1.888.724.5223 within BC, or 604.444.2890 outside BC.

View our Maps section for additional information about traveling outside Vancouver.